Felines – from domestic cats to wild lions and tigers – are extremely sensitive to the catnip plant. A member of the mint family and originally from Europe, catnip (Nepeta cataria) has volatile oils and other compounds in its stems and leaves, including nepetalactone. This particular chemical is what triggers an eager, excited response from cats.
How cats react to catnip
When cats smell catnip, they exhibit several behaviors that are quite similar to that of a female cat in heat. They may rub their head and body on the herb, jump, roll around, call, chew on the leaves, and/or salivate. The change in their behavior usually lasts for about 10 minutes.
After their first dramatic response, the cats will look like they are in a state of bliss or euphoria. This could vary from mellow and calm to aggressively playful. The cats then become immune to catnip for a few hours.
It should be noted, however, that not all pet cats have a strong response to catnip. Only 50-70 percent of cats exhibit this dramatic behavior, and it is hereditary. Moreover, catnip does not affect kittens the same way it does adult cats until they are about six months old and have started to reach sexual maturity.
Cats will continue responding enthusiastically to catnip if they do not get exposed to it too frequently. They also react progressively less to the plant as they get older.
How does catnip work? It is bad for cats?
The chemical compound nepetalactone enters the cat's nose and binds to smell receptors, then stimulates sensory neurons. This triggers the brain to prompt certain behaviors.
Contrary to widely held belief, catnip is non-addictive and is completely harmless to cats. And although found in some cat treats, catnip does not have the same effects when eaten and is not especially attractive to cats as part of their food.
Getting catnip for your cat
The potency of different forms of catnip varies. Fresh or dried catnip is usually more potent.
You can buy catnip fresh or as a dried herb. You can then grow the plant inside the house or in the garden. Dry catnip powder and catnip spray are also available in pet shops. There are also some cat treats that contain catnip as one of the ingredients.
Additionally, catnip is used in some toys to make them more attractive to cats and to stimulate and encourage your pet to play and exercise. You can also make your own plush toy then add some dried herb into the stuffing before closing up the fabric. Or you can put some catnip in a paper bag and roll it into a ball for your cat to play with.
Catnip can also be used as a training aid for cats. For example, you can rub some catnip onto your pet’s scratching post to get them to use it instead of your chair’s legs. Or sprinkle some catnip powder on your cat’s bed cushion so they would leave your couch alone. Moreover, using catnip may also help train your timid cat to be more friendly.
How catnip affects humans
The human brain is physiologically different from a cat’s brain, so people do not react to catnip in a way that’s like getting high. Catnip is even promoted in some herbal teas as a mild sedative. In alternative medicine, catnip is commonly recommended by herbalists to lessen migraine headaches and relieve cramps, gas, indigestion, insomnia, nervousness, and anorexia. There’s also catnip paste to reduce swelling associated with arthritis and soft tissue injury.
Dr Peter Messent